Name: Julius Weng
Major: Physiological Science
Year: Senior
Career Goal: Physician involved in Clinical Research
Fun fact: When I was in the 3rd grade, I thought I was too old to play soccer.
My interest in aging began when I learned my grandpa had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As my grandpa’s Alzheimer’s progressively worsened, I saw how much pain my family was experiencing and was inspired to find an outlet to help others going through similar experiences. As a result, I joined RE|NOUS – a UCLA organization that gives presentations in the local community to raise awareness about dementias as well as assisting for Alzheimer’s clinical trial recruitment. My involvement with RE|NOUS led me to take the UCLA Gerontology Course M108 in which I learned so much more about the relevance, importance, and consequences of aging. What particularly struck me was the prevalence of misguided aging stereotypes all around us (and that I didn’t know I had!) Regardless of what field of medicine I eventually choose to pursue, I’m certain that I will continue to be invested in fighting the stigma on aging.